Children's Lighthouse

1851 Franchise: How did you get involved in franchising and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.childrenslighthousefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-michael-brown-president-of-childrens-lighthouse-2726984" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Children's Lighthouse</a>?<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brown-cfe-93022515?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-michael-brown-president-of-childrens-lighthouse-2726984" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Michael Brown</a>, President of Children’s Lighthouse: It's 100% rooted in family. My dad and uncle founded Children's Lighthouse in 1997, when I was still in high school. My two younger brothers and I were involved from the start. Although my dad and uncle came from backgrounds in real estate, construction and finance, and had started other businesses, they were new to child care. They recognized the industry's potential and decided to dive in. They launched our first school in Grand Prairie, Texas, and expanded to nine locations before starting to franchise in 2001.&nbsp;Initially, franchising wasn't the plan — they simply wanted to operate a few schools. However, when a group from Houston expressed interest in franchising, although we initially resisted, their persistence and passion for the concept led us to take a leap of faith, which proved successful. Interestingly, the name "Children's Lighthouse" came from a family trip to Galveston, [Texas] a suggestion from my grandmother as we passed lighthouses. It perfectly captured the essence of what we wanted our culture to represent.The entire venture was family-oriented from day one. My dad's goal was to build a business that could be passed down to us or one we could grow into. He always said he was doing this for us but never wanted to force it upon us. As kids, we kept busy helping with whatever was needed at the schools — watering plants, changing air filters or handling maintenance. We also assisted with marketing, distributing flyers and attending events, which provided us with valuable experience. After attending the University of Texas in Austin, I returned, unsure if I wanted to join the family business. Despite hearing horror stories about family businesses, working with my dad and uncle turned out to be a fantastic experience. I started at the bottom, working in various roles within the company, and gradually moved into our franchise department. This taught me a lot about our operations and solidified my love for what we do. Overall, working in this family-centric environment not only helped us grow as a business but also brought us closer as a family, which was an incredibly rewarding experience.1851 Franchise: Were you inspired by your dad’s entrepreneurial drive?&nbsp;Brown:&nbsp;At that time, I was quite young and mostly focused on typical high school activities like playing sports and spending time with friends and girlfriends. I wasn't thinking about a career after education. Although I knew my dad had started a business, I didn't fully appreciate the significance of that achievement until I was older. Back then, I simply followed his directions, which turned out to be an excellent learning opportunity for me. When the time came to consider a full-time career, it was fortunate that the family business was an option. I fell in love with it immediately.1851 Franchise: Did the process of studying accounting and finance in college make you more interested in joining the family business?&nbsp;Brown: Yeah, it did. My interest has always leaned towards accounting and finance because I've loved math since I was young. Initially, I envisioned a career in investment banking, private equity or even accounting. During college, we explored entrepreneurship through various case studies, which I found very interesting. However, at that time, I wasn't seriously considering a direct involvement in running a business.&nbsp;When I first started working at Children's Lighthouse in 2005, my role was quite limited, with little opportunity to make substantial decisions. It mostly involved learning about the business, which continued for many years. Looking back, I realize that gaining such a deep understanding of the industry and the business equipped me with the knowledge necessary to make more informed decisions when the need arose.1851 Franchise: How did you end up taking the reins of the company?&nbsp;Brown: From the beginning, my dad and uncle often talked about retiring one day to enjoy time at the beach. They hinted that they wanted me to eventually take over, but it was clear from the start that they would never force the business on me. They'd say, "If it's not for you, don't worry about it — it won't hurt our feelings." However, as I grew with the company, I enjoyed working with our team and immersing myself in the culture more and more. At first, I wasn't fully aware of the impact of this culture, but as I took on leadership roles, I realized its significance and wanted to preserve it. Occasionally, I considered different directions and innovations based on what I'd learned over the years, but maintaining our foundational culture and team relationships was always my priority.&nbsp;This approach extended not just within our office but also to our franchise owners, fostering a unique environment unlike any I've seen in other franchises or businesses. We've had feedback from individuals experienced in different franchising industries, and they often remark on the uniqueness of our culture, stressing the importance of preserving it.&nbsp;It was actually a prospective franchisee who first approached us with the idea of franchising. The vision evolved from building a family business into developing a franchising model that not only aligned with our goals of enriching children's and communities' lives but also offered a robust platform for local entrepreneurs who wanted to run their businesses and secure their children's futures. This realization that franchising was the ideal path for expansion led us to dedicate ourselves fully to supporting our franchise network, which has remained our focus ever since.From the outset, our goal was to uphold what we had built while managing our growth carefully. My dad and uncle envisioned significant growth, but it was always about controlled expansion, ensuring we had the right infrastructure to support our franchise owners without outpacing our capabilities. This principle of managed growth has always guided us. 1851 Franchise: How many Children’s Lighthouse locations are there currently?Brown:&nbsp;We have&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/find-a-daycare?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-michael-brown-president-of-childrens-lighthouse-2726984" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">70 schools operating</a> and 24 more in the pipeline, so we're hoping to be close to 100 units within the next few years.1851 Franchise: What's your point of differentiation in the marketplace?Brown:&nbsp;There's a significant nationwide demand for child care, and we've developed a robust process to identify and meet this demand in various markets. Our approach differs notably from other brands, primarily because of the culture and foundation my dad and uncle established. This family-driven culture permeates our entire organization, ensuring that everyone — from our office team to our franchise owners — upholds our mission statement, foundational views and core values.Our franchise owners are integral as well. They embody these values, creating a network that genuinely cares for the children we serve. This genuine care builds trust with parents, who can feel confident about entrusting their children to us.&nbsp;Another significant distinction is&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/pathways?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-michael-brown-president-of-childrens-lighthouse-2726984" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">our curriculum</a>. We started with a basic off-the-shelf curriculum, suitable for our initial needs but limited. As we expanded and gained insight, we recognized the need for a curriculum that kept pace with the latest in child brain research and educational practices. This led us to develop our proprietary curriculum, lauded as one of the industry's best. It not only covers STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] subjects but also focuses on holistic development, teaching children life skills necessary for personal growth and leadership.This curriculum ensures that we're not just teaching academics but nurturing well-rounded individuals. For instance, I just heard a remarkable story about a child who joined us at six weeks old and stayed through our after-school program until age 12. They recently published a book, attributing part of their development to their experience at Children's Lighthouse and the valuable lessons they learned. Stories like this underscore the profound impact of our work. Child care is a uniquely rewarding field, one where the benefits to children and their families are as immense as they are meaningful.1851 Franchise: Is there anything else you want prospective franchisees to know about the brand?Brown:&nbsp;If you have a passion for education, for child care and for enriching your community, this could be a great opportunity for you. It's an industry that requires great responsibility, but it's also so rewarding. It's not for everybody, but if you have that passion, it can be a uniquely fulfilling experience.For more information on franchising with Children’s Lighthouse, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.childrenslighthousefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=executive-qa-michael-brown-president-of-childrens-lighthouse-2726984" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.childrenslighthousefranchise.com/</a>.

Executive Q&A: Michael Brown, President of Children’s Lighthouse

1851 Franchise

https://www.youtube.com/embed/K9dDNaM8Hyk

1851 Franchise spoke with Brown to learn about his family-driven franchising story, how Children’s Lighthouse stands out in the booming child care marketplace and more. 

This brand page has been paid for by CHILDREN'S LIGHTHOUSE. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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Children’s Lighthouse Concludes 2025 With Strategic Expansion and a Robust Pipeline for 2026

Why a Values-Based Curriculum Gives Children’s Lighthouse Franchise Owners a Competitive Edge

How AI Is Reshaping the Job Market and Why It Can’t Replace Early Childhood Education

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<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a> brought franchise owners from across the system together for its 2026 Franchise Conference, centered on a clear theme: Culture and Connection. The event served as both a celebration of the brand’s achievements and a strategic alignment moment heading into a pivotal year.“This conference was really about alignment,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Development. “As a system, we’ve built strong demand. Now it’s about executing at a high level across every school, every day. Culture and connection are operational drivers. When those two things are strong, performance follows. We’re entering a phase where consistency across the system is what will separate us in the market.”<h2>Marketing: Demand Is Strong, but Conversion Is the Opportunity</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> enters 2026 by building on a strong national marketing campaign that ran from March through July 2025. The result was a 9.5% increase in leads and a 4.5% jump in revenue compared to the previous year. As awareness continues to rise, school-level execution becomes the deciding factor in turning interest into enrollment. Responsiveness, the quality of the tour experience and consistent follow-up will ultimately determine how effectively each location captures demand.Looking ahead, the 2026 brand campaign, launched mid-February and will continue through August, will target parents of children ages 0-8 within a highly focused 2- to 3-mile radius of each school. The campaign will leverage a multi-channel approach across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, display advertising, retargeting and connected TV, ensuring consistent brand visibility throughout the parent decision-making journey.To support franchisees in improving local execution, Children’s Lighthouse is introducing a suite of AI-powered tools launching April 1. These include AI webchat to provide 24/7 responses to parent inquiries, a Genius Search Agent to automate local SEO and Google presence, and a Reputation Agent to monitor and respond to reviews. With 91% of all website chats currently going unanswered, these tools are designed to significantly improve responsiveness, reduce manual workload and ensure that no opportunity is missed.&nbsp;<h2>Operations: Elevating Standards Through System Accreditation</h2>One of the most significant announcements from the conference was the decision to pursue&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cognia.org/accreditation/">Cognia System Accreditation</a>. This accreditation is a third-party seal of approval for quality and operational standards, and also helps the entire system stay current with the changing rules around Universal Pre-K and Education Savings Account funding.On a bigger level, this effort creates a single, consistent set of standards across all locations. That consistency is key, It highlights the brand's solid dedication to being excellent. With more competition and parents expecting more, this accreditation is not just a way to run things, but a strong, unique benefit owners can talk about in their marketing.<h2>Franchise Development: Acting on Expansion Opportunities</h2>The conference also highlighted the rapidly shifting landscape of early education real estate, emphasizing the importance of acting early on expansion. Rising land costs, increased competition for sites and faster decision-making by developers mean that prime locations will soon become more difficult — and more expensive — to secure.Available land is disappearing quickly. Sites that were available a year or 18 months ago are often no longer on the market or now cost significantly more, especially in master-planned communities where parcels are being absorbed fast. As a result, Children's Lighthouse is really encouraging franchisees to evaluate expansion opportunities&nbsp;now, even if development is still further down the road.To support this, the brand is offering one-on-one expansion strategy sessions,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-the-lease-program-lowers-the-cost-of-entry-into-becoming-a-childrens-lighthouse-franchisee-2728540">a build-to-suit lease program</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-to-get-financed-to-open-a-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-2728462">SBA financing support</a> and a Site First Program designed to help franchisees secure high-quality real estate early in the process. The message is clear: while building may not happen right away, controlling the right site is a critical step in long-term growth.<h2>Celebrating Excellence: 2026 Award Winners</h2>The annual awards ceremony was another major highlight, shining a spotlight on the franchisees and leaders who truly live the brand's core values — integrity, passion, excellence, and community impact.<h3>New School of the Year</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/kyle/about-the-owner">Brad Fink and Connor Matthews — Children’s Lighthouse of Kyle</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/princeton/meet-the-owners">Nadene and Isam Habboush — Children’s Lighthouse of Princeton</a></li></ul><h3>Community Partner Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/lakehouston/about-the-owner">Kelly and John Pritchard — Children’s Lighthouse of Houston (Lake Houston)</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/seabrook">Tonya Porter — Children’s Lighthouse of Seabrook</a></li></ul><h3>Integrity Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/anna">Latha Elen and Elen Singaravelu — Children’s Lighthouse of Anna</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/stoneoak/about-the-owners">Tara and Justin Leggett — Children’s Lighthouse of San Antonio (Stone Oak)</a></li></ul><h3>Passion Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/grandmission/aboutmgt">Amanda and Brian Fisk — Children’s Lighthouse of Richmond (Grand Mission)</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/hooveral/our-owner">Dr. Ira Sullivan — Children’s Lighthouse of Hoover</a></li></ul><h3>Excellence Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/harvestgreen/about-the-owners">Karen and Zeff Walcher — Children’s Lighthouse of Richmond (Harvest Green)</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/kyle/about-the-owner">Brad Fink and Connor Matthews — Children’s Lighthouse of Kyle</a></li></ul><h3>Lighthouse Pride Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/allen/meet-the-owners">Nadene and Isam Habboush — Children’s Lighthouse of Princeton and Allen</a></li><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/latisha-king-27b9a786/">Latisha King — Director of Field Operations, Franchise Support Center</a></li><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennatkari-benavides/">Jennifer Atkari — Franchise Business Coach, Franchise Support Center</a> &nbsp;</li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/newbraunfels/meet-the-owners">Ashley and Ryan Hempton — Children’s Lighthouse of New Braunfels</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-sherman-68480677/">Anna Sherman — Director of Franchise Development, Franchise Support Center</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-lance-211a7a346/">Kelsey Lance — Brand Marketing Coach, Franchise Support Center</a></li></ul><h3>Founders Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/leesville/about-the-owners">Sheetal and Vishal Thomas — Children’s Lighthouse of Raleigh</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/oakforest/meet-the-owners">Alexis and John Legg — Children’s Lighthouse of Houston (Oak Forest)</a></li></ul><h2>Looking Ahead to the Future</h2>Children’s Lighthouse has seen strong momentum so far this year, a growing footprint and a clear strategic roadmap. Following a year that included 15 franchise signings, multiple new openings and expansion into new states, the brand is positioned for continued, intentional growth.“2026 is going to reward operators who execute consistently,” Kelton said. “The systems are in place. Now it’s about how well we use them.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.

The 2026 Children's Lighthouse Conference hammered home that the best way to turn high demand into real, long-term growth is through consistent execution at the local level. 

An Inside Look at Children’s Lighthouse Franchise Conference Recap and Award Winners

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<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a> is rolling out new AI-powered support tools to handle more of the day-to-day marketing, communication and reputation management work that can pull franchisees away from their schools. The goal is to give owners more time to focus on care, education and the family experience.“Over the course of the last month, we unveiled AI chat, which is on our website, AI review and response on Google, and also AI content listing management,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/berrycolin">Colin Berry</a>, Vice President of Brand Development for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a>. “We’ve also had AI call tracking for a while. We are able to track every call, listen to every call and also filter in and out real leads.”Together, these tools form a connected system that supports franchisees across marketing, communication and reputation management.<h2>Giving Time Back to Operators</h2>At its core, the AI rollout is about one thing: efficiency. Children’s Lighthouse franchisees are operators first, responsible for running schools, leading teams and supporting families day in and day out.&nbsp;“All of these things are important,” Berry said. “Our franchisees shouldn’t be spending hours chasing reviews, writing copy, responding to these things, etc. They need to be focused on their schools. All of these AI tools are about giving our franchisees back more time.”That philosophy aligns with the entire Children’s Lighthouse model,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/comprehensive-support-at-every-step-what-to-expect-from-childrens-lighthouse-2727896">which emphasizes strong operational support and systems</a> that allow owners to focus on delivering a high-quality experience inside the four walls of their local schools.<h2>Always-On Communication for Modern Families</h2>One of the most immediate impacts of the new technology is in how the brand communicates with prospective families.&nbsp;“For the AI chat, families are searching for childcare, but we want to cut down on the lead time with communication,” Berry said. “Prior to AI, we had a chat feature, but almost 90% of chats were going unresponded to. Now with AI chat, we can have 100% of those chats being answered, even if the school is not open.”Parents researching childcare options often do so outside of standard business hours, and immediate access to information can influence their decision-making. “At 10 p.m. on a Saturday, someone can figure out how much it costs for their 3-year-old to attend one of our schools,” Berry said. “That’s a big advantage for both the family and the franchisee.”<h2>Strengthening Online Reputation at Scale</h2>In the childcare industry, trust is everything, and for many families, that trust starts with online reviews.&nbsp;“Google reviews are one of the first places parents look,” Berry said. “AI review and response allows us to not only write super thoughtful messages, but we can do that in seconds. Google wants to see quality and quantity of reviews, and also quick responses.”Quick responses are only part of the value. For a franchise system with schools in markets across the country, the tools also help Children’s Lighthouse keep its messaging consistent from one location to the next.“It’s also important from a branding perspective that we are consistent across locations on how we respond to certain reviews,” Berry said. “These tools allow us to do that at scale.”<h2>Smarter Listings and Less Manual Work</h2>The brand has also improved its listings management capabilities with AI so that critical information, from hours of operation to location details, remains accurate and up to date across all platforms.“We’ve always had listings management as an important tool in terms of making sure that info is consistent across locations,” Berry said. “But if there were things that needed to be changed, it required manual labor and someone actively logging in and making the changes.”With AI, that process becomes automated and scalable. “Now we can make sure things stay consistent and are able to generate content like Google photos and posts without more staffing,” he said.<h2>Using AI to Enhance (Not Replace) the Core Mission</h2>While AI is transforming many industries,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-ai-is-reshaping-the-job-market-and-why-it-cant-replace-early-childhood-education-2731972#featured">Children’s Lighthouse is clear about its role within the business.&nbsp;</a>“These tools are becoming more and more essential for every industry and brand out there,” Berry said. “Even a few short months ago, everyone thought AI was going to take everybody’s job, but as things have progressed and we’ve learned more about it, it’s really just creating more opportunity for everybody.”For Children’s Lighthouse, that opportunity is about focus. “It’s providing more tools so we can focus our attention on what is important,” Berry said. “And in our business, it’s about taking care of children. That is the most important.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/childrens-lighthouse-builds-momentum-in-q1-2026-with-school-groundbreakings-and-national-franchisee-conference-2731924">As demand for early childhood education continues to grow</a>, Children’s Lighthouse is positioning its franchisees with tools that not only improve efficiency but also enhance the overall customer experience. Combined with its proprietary curriculum, strong operational support and real estate-backed model, the addition of AI-powered systems reinforces the brand’s commitment to innovation without losing sight of its purpose.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.

Design with photo of Children's Lighthouse classroom, support chat bubbles

Through new tools like AI chat for websites and AI review/response for Google, Children's Lighthouse frees up franchisee time for high-quality care and education.

Children’s Lighthouse Launches AI-Powered Support Tools to Streamline Operations and Elevate the Family Experience

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With a new school opening planned in Fulshear this summer, an April groundbreaking in Hockley Jubilee, and another groundbreaking in Northlake that same month,&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a> is actively expanding its footprint and filling in key markets across the state where it was founded. The latest wave of Texas development, which includes five new Texas franchises awarded year-to-date and five slated to open in 2027, reflects both strong demand from multi-unit franchisees and growing interest from families seeking an education-first approach to child care.“This is a meaningful moment for us as a brand,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Development for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a>. “Texas has always been our foundation, and what we’re seeing now is a new level of demand from both families and franchisees who understand the value of what we offer. These openings and groundbreakings aren’t just growth for growth’s sake — they’re a direct response to communities asking for more access to high-quality early education.”Kelton noted that the brand’s expansion across Texas is strategic. These markets&nbsp;<a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/texas/fastest-growing">rank among the nation’s fastest-growing cities</a>, and the resulting population growth is driving the need for reliable, education-focused child care options.“We’re very thoughtful about where we grow,” he said. “In Texas, you have strong population migration, young families moving into suburban areas and communities that are underserved when it comes to early education. Our model is designed to meet that need in a scalable, consistent way.”<h2>A Model Built for Texas Families</h2>Children’s Lighthouse has long positioned itself as an early learning school built around&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-childrens-lighthouse-builds-social-emotional-strength-through-values-based-learning-2732035">curriculum and long-term developmental outcomes</a>.&nbsp;“Our schools are designed to give children a foundation that carries forward into their academic journey,” Kelton said. “Parents in Texas are looking for more than supervision. They want a place where their children are learning, growing and being prepared for what’s next. That’s exactly where we fit.”This approach is especially relevant in fast-growing areas like Fulshear, Hockley and Northlake, where new residential development is bringing an influx of young families in need of dependable child care solutions.“The pace of growth in these communities is incredible,” Kelton said. “When you combine that with a shortage of high-quality early education providers, it creates a real opportunity — not just for franchisees, but for us to make a meaningful impact in those communities.”For existing franchisees like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadene-habboush-76708b2">Nadene Habboush</a>, the strength of the Texas market is already clear. A multi-unit owner in North Texas, Habboush has seen how quickly demand can translate into performance.&nbsp;“Our Princeton location is booming,” she said. “We welcomed 111 children by month three.”Her experience highlights both the demand for early education in Texas and the ability of the Children’s Lighthouse model to meet that demand effectively.“The support and the integrity of the brand are phenomenal,” she said. “They are incredibly transparent. If we make a mistake, we own it and share the correction with parents. That honesty is vital when you are dealing with little children’s lives.”<h2>Positioning for What’s Next</h2>As Children’s Lighthouse continues to build across Texas, the current wave of development represents more than just expansion.&nbsp;“Texas will always be core to who we are,” Kelton said. “But what we’re doing now is making sure we’re fully built out in the markets where we know we can serve families best. We’re closing gaps, opening in high-demand areas and supporting franchisees who want to grow alongside us.”With multiple projects underway and strong validation from operators on the ground, Children’s Lighthouse is proving that its Texas roots remain a powerful engine for growth and a foundation for what comes next.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.ABOUT CHILDREN'S LIGHTHOUSEThe Children’s Lighthouse brand was established in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1997. The Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools® brand promises to create a safe, fun, and happy place that gives children confidence, a sense of comfort today, and a lifelong love of learning, friendship, and community. Children’s Lighthouse focuses on age-appropriate and values based curriculums that focus on kindergarten readiness and creating lifelong learners. In 2026, Children's Lighthouse was ranked on the Entrepreneur 500 and as a Top Franchise for 2025 by Franchise Business Review. In 2024, Children's Lighthouse was featured on the Franchise Times Top 400. &nbsp;

As demand for high-quality early childhood education continues to grow across Texas, Children’s Lighthouse is doubling down on its home-state expansion.

Children’s Lighthouse Builds Texas Momentum With New Openings and Groundbreakings Across the State

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FORT WORTH, Texas —&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a>, the nationally recognized early learning school franchise, is building on strong momentum in 2026 following a record-setting 2025.Building on a year that included 15 franchise signings, new market entries, and multiple school openings, the brand has already made meaningful progress toward its 2026 growth goals. Most notably,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> celebrated a groundbreaking for its&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/childrens-lighthouse-franchise-expansion-2025-2026-pipeline-2731091">first Tennessee location</a>.“We’ve been really intentional with where we want to expand,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton/">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Franchise Development. “What you’re seeing now is the result of that strategy taking hold, entering the right markets with the right partners, and building a foundation for long-term success.”Children’s Lighthouse is growing in a category that continues to see strong demand. Early childhood education remains essential for many families, especially with more than two-thirds of U.S. children under 6 living in households where both parents work.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/03/06/2841618/0/en/U-S-Child-Care-Market-Size-to-Surpass-USD-88-22-Billion-by-2033.html">The U.S. childcare market size was valued at $59 billion in 2023 and is expected to surpass around $88 billion by 2033</a>, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% between 2024 and 2033.&nbsp;Children’s Lighthouse serves this demand with its comprehensive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kNlcmfSRQc">Lighthouse Pathways® approach to learning</a>. This proprietary program focuses on three individualized, research-based, and age-appropriate learning tracks designed to meet each child where they are.&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/bright">Lighthouse BRIGHT®</a> caters to children as young as six weeks old through two years old.&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/cares">Lighthouse CARES®</a> focuses on children from two to five years, while&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/xstream-quest">xSTREAM Quest®</a> caters to school-aged children. In the xSTREAM Quest program, students take part in projects built around science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math (STREAM). Through classroom instruction and hands-on activities, Children’s Lighthouse helps children build the skills and confidence they need in school and beyond. Maintaining high standards of operational and educational excellence, each Children's Lighthouse school is independently owned and operated and may have its own Cognia™ or other accreditation.“Parents everywhere are looking for high-quality, values-based early education, and Children’s Lighthouse continues to deliver on that promise,” Kelton said. “Our schools are full, our families are happy, and that demand is what fuels responsible growth.”In addition to the Tennessee groundbreaking, Children’s Lighthouse is actively working with franchisees to secure prime real estate and move projects through the development pipeline — a critical focus as competition for sites intensifies nationwide.A major catalyst for the brand’s Q1 momentum was its 2026 Franchise Conference, where franchisees and leadership aligned around a clear theme: Culture and Connection.“This conference was really about alignment,” Kelton said. “As a system, we’ve built strong demand. Now it’s about executing at a high level across every school, every day. Culture and connection are operational drivers. When those two things are strong, performance follows.”As part of its 2026 strategy, Children’s Lighthouse is continuing to invest in systems that support both franchisee performance and brand differentiation. This includes the rollout of AI-powered tools designed to improve responsiveness and lead conversion at the school level, as well as systemwide initiatives like pursuing Cognia accreditation.“We’re entering a phase where consistency across the system is what will separate us in the market,” Kelton said. “The systems are in place. Now it’s about how well we use them.”In addition, the brand is helping franchisees navigate development more strategically through build-to-suit options, SBA financing support and site selection programs, which are all aimed at securing high-quality locations in increasingly competitive markets.As Children’s Lighthouse grows, the brand is concentrating on metro areas where more families are moving in and demand for early education remains strong. Target markets for 2026 include Austin, Indianapolis, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh, and Charlotte.“We are not trying to grow for the sake of growth,” Kelton said. “We are focused on quality over quantity and making sure we’re entering markets where our model truly resonates with families and franchisees.”With multiple schools in development, new markets opening and a clear strategic roadmap in place, Children’s Lighthouse is entering the remainder of 2026 with confidence. The brand was also recognized on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list earlier this year.“We’re laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable growth,” Kelton said. “This year is about building on the momentum we’ve created and continuing to execute at a high level across the system.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.About Children’s LighthouseThe Children’s Lighthouse brand was established in Fort Worth, Texas in 1997. The Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools® brand promises to create a safe, fun, and happy place that gives children confidence, a sense of comfort today, and a lifelong love of learning, friendship, and community. Children’s Lighthouse focuses on age-appropriate and values-based curriculums that focus on kindergarten readiness and creating lifelong learners. In 2025, Children's Lighthouse was ranked on the Entrepreneur 500 and as a Top Franchise for 2025 by Franchise Business Review. In 2024, Children's Lighthouse was featured on the Franchise Times Top 400.

The early education franchise continues its intentional expansion with new school development and a growing pipeline in high-demand markets.

Children’s Lighthouse Builds Momentum in Q1 2026 With School Groundbreakings and National Franchisee Conference

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For prospective franchisees exploring the early education industry, one of the biggest questions is often: Will I be able to secure financing? According to lenders, the answer becomes much easier when a franchise system demonstrates long-term stability, strong unit performance and consistent franchisee success, and that is exactly where&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a> stands out.With a FUND score of 805, a 97.3% compounded historical unit success rate and five consecutive years of 100% annual unit success,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> has positioned itself among the top-performing franchise systems in the country. Those metrics directly impact how banks and SBA lenders evaluate financing opportunities for franchise candidates.<h2>Why Early Education Is an Attractive Category</h2><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-martin-96a1783b">Samantha Martin</a>, Senior Business Development Officer at Huntington Bank, explained that, from a lender’s perspective, demand for quality childcare remains resilient regardless of broader economic conditions.“What I like about early education is that it is very stable,” Martin said. “Most families have dual-income households and they need reliable, quality childcare. Regardless of what the economy is doing, people are going to need this.”That recurring need creates recurring revenue, which is something lenders pay close attention to. “Once you get a child in the school, you want to keep them from infant to pre-K,” Martin said. “When you layer in a brand with a successful track record and they have nearly 100 units and a 97% success rate, you have a great industry and you have a great track record.”<a href="https://frandata.com/fund-franchise-credit-score/">The FRANdata FUND report</a> reinforces that point. Over the past eight years,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">Children’s Lighthouse</a> achieved a 97.3% compounded historical unit success rate, placing the brand at “the upper end of the top quintile among all concepts in franchising.”<h2>Why FUND Scores Matter to Banks</h2>Lenders rely heavily on tools like the FUND score to evaluate risk. Martin noted that the FUND™ analysis evaluates multiple areas of franchise performance, including unit-level outcomes, franchisee success, franchisor financial health and operational stability.The FRANdata report highlighted several factors contributing to Children’s Lighthouse’s strong rating, including:<ul><li>Strong franchisor financial performance</li><li>Low transfer activity and no refranchising</li><li>Recurring revenue self-sufficiency</li><li>Strong franchisee-franchisor relationships</li><li>Consistent average unit revenue growth</li></ul><h2>The Advantage of a Proven Franchise Model</h2>One of the biggest differences between financing a franchise and financing an independent startup is predictability.“Franchise lending has some predictability to it,” Martin said. “In Children’s Lighthouse’s case, they have nearly 100 units. You can see how those units have done over the past 20-plus years, and you can see that to understand the business and how successful the franchisees have been over a long period of time.”By comparison, independent startups often rely heavily on projections and assumptions.“When you are underwriting a new franchise or business, you are relying on projections,” Martin said. “Those can be all over the place. That track record makes you feel a lot better about lending to a new business.”Lenders also value the infrastructure and support systems that come with established franchise brands. “If you are starting a new school or building a new school, having a team that is going to support you in getting that done, and all the training and support, the lender likes knowing that,” Martin said. “Banks like franchise businesses because there is another level of screening there from the franchisors.”<h2>The Importance of Strong Revenue Growth&nbsp;</h2>Martin pointed to Children’s Lighthouse’s revenue history as another reason lenders may view the brand favorably, with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2726111">average unit revenues increasing from about $1.5 million in 2021 to $2 million in 2024</a> and a 9.9% compound annual growth rate that outpaced industry peers.“Over time, these businesses want to show revenue growth because it means they are growing, succeeding and staying in business,” Martin said. “It is actually growing and improving.”Martin also emphasized that franchisee satisfaction and operational stability matter just as much as top-line performance.“In terms of system stability, it’s good to know how the franchisees rate the franchisor in terms of support and stability,” she said. “You want to lend money to a franchise that is doing all those things.”<h2>What Candidates Often Misunderstand About Financing</h2>For first-time franchisees, the financing process can feel intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with SBA lending. “If it’s your first time borrowing money, you might think it’s like a mortgage,” Martin said. “But there is a lot more that is factored into addressing risk with a business loan like this. It’s not only about personal finances. It’s also about relevant business experience. Have they managed people, budgets, etc.? Would they do well in this industry? Are they a hard worker? Are they going to be kind and empathetic to parents?”She noted that franchise systems help reduce risk because franchisors conduct their own screening and provide operational support throughout the process.“A lot of lenders won’t even entertain an independent school,” Martin said. “A non-franchise route is going to have to rely on borrowing money from family and friends or getting investors. At the end of the day, banks want businesses that are repeatable. When you have brands like Children’s Lighthouse that have strong revenue growth and system stability, that is the kind of borrower that banks want to lend to.”<a href="https://streamyard.com/watch/HnmBhnDCyhn5">Register here</a> for an upcoming Live Webinar with 1851 Publisher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/powills/">Nick Powills</a> and Samantha Marin on June 23, at 1 pm ET/10 am PT, as they discuss why Children’s Lighthouses' strong revenue growth and high fund score make funding options more accessible for entrepreneurs.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.

Image of a children's lighthouse school franchise

Children’s Lighthouse boasts a FUND™ score of 805, a 97.3% compounded historical unit success rate and five consecutive years of 100% annual unit success. Here’s why that matters.

Why Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees Have an Easier Path to Funding

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadene-habboush-76708b2">Nadene Habboush</a> built her career around education, so&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a> was a natural fit when she began looking at franchising. Today, she owns multiple locations in North Texas, including a newer school in Princeton that saw enrollment climb quickly after opening.“First and foremost, I am a mother of two,” Habboush said. “My background is entirely in education; I studied to be an elementary school teacher in South Africa.”After moving to the United States, Habboush immersed herself in early childhood education, working in roles ranging from teaching two-year-olds to a being kindergarten educator. Her career decisions were always guided by one priority: staying closely connected to her children’s development.“When we moved to America, I didn’t know the system here, and I struggled with the idea of who I was leaving my children with,” she said. “My solution was to work where they were.”That hands-on experience, combined with years of observing what makes a strong educational environment, eventually sparked a bigger idea. “My husband and I eventually wanted to start a business, but we wanted it to be fulfilling,” she said. “That homework eventually led us to realize that this was a model we could successfully bring to our community ourselves.”<h2>Why Franchising Made Sense</h2>While Habboush had deep expertise in education, she recognized the operational complexities of running a preschool business. That realization led her to explore franchising — and ultimately to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a>.“My husband came across a video from [President]&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brown-cfe-93022515/">Michael Brown</a> at Children’s Lighthouse, and I told him immediately, ‘We need to meet these people,’” she said. “They felt warm, inviting, and aligned with my values as a parent.”Beyond cultural alignment, the franchise model offered something critical:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/comprehensive-support-at-every-step-what-to-expect-from-childrens-lighthouse-2727896">structure and support</a>.“Opening a school is like drinking from a fire hose,” she said. “I needed the guidance on the business side — marketing, finance, and contracts — so I could focus on my strength: the operational excellence of the classroom.”For Habboush, franchising offered a way to pair her education background with the practical systems needed to run a school day to day. She knew what she wanted the classroom experience to look like, but Children’s Lighthouse gave her support in areas like marketing, finance and operations.“I originally thought about opening an independent school, but I would not have a fraction of the knowledge I have now if I hadn’t gone the franchise route,” she said. “They have the systems in place. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.”<h2>Rapid Growth in Princeton</h2>After opening her first location in Allen, Texas, during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Habboush experienced firsthand how challenging (and rewarding) the business can be.“My first school in Allen opened during the height of COVID with only 12 kids,” she said. Fast forward to 2025, and her second location in Texas is telling a very different story. “Our Princeton location is booming,” she said. “We hit 111 children by month three.”Princeton’s early enrollment also reinforced Habboush’s confidence in the brand behind the school. As families came in, she said the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/why-family-owned-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-advantage-2730967">support from Children’s Lighthouse</a> helped her stay focused on communication, accountability and the day-to-day trust required in early education.“The support and the integrity of the brand are phenomenal,” she said. “They are incredibly transparent. If we make a mistake, we own it and share the correction with parents. That honesty is vital when you are dealing with little children’s lives.”Serving families across Princeton, Greenville, New Hope, Farmersville, Lowry Crossing, and McKinney, her school is quickly becoming a trusted resource for early education in the region.<h2>Building for the Future</h2>Habboush isn’t slowing down. With strong early performance in Princeton, she’s already thinking about expansion. “In Princeton, we actually have an extra piece of land attached to the school,” she said. “Our plan is that as we get closer to capacity, we will build an additional section with extra classrooms to accommodate more families.”Long term,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/why-childrens-lighthouse-is-a-great-multi-unit-franchise-opportunity-2729355">multi-unit growth is part of the vision</a>. “We always have a third location in the back of our minds,” she said. “My goal isn’t just to hit a number, but to ensure that every time I walk into my school, I can say, ‘Yes, I would leave my own child here.’”A key part of Habboush’s mission is changing how families think about early childhood education. “I want parents to know that we aren’t a daycare — we are an early learning school,” she said. “My children attended a school that laid a very strong foundation for them, and it changed their entire academic career. I wanted to give other families that same advantage.”It’s a mission she sees reflected every day in the classroom. “When I see the ‘little light bulbs’ go on in a child’s eyes, I know we’re doing exactly what we set out to do,” she said.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.

After years in the classroom, Nadene Habboush found a franchise model that gave her the structure to bring her vision for early childhood education to life.

How This Children’s Lighthouse Multi-Unit Franchisee Found Rapid Success in Princeton, Texas

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As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the global workforce, one question is becoming increasingly urgent for both employees and investors: Which industries will remain essential in the years ahead?From layoffs in tech to automation across white-collar roles, the shift is already underway. But while AI is disrupting many sectors, one category continues to stand apart: early childhood education. And for brands like&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a>, the early education and childcare franchise, that creates a compelling opportunity at the intersection of purpose and long-term financial stability.<h2>AI Is Changing the Rules of Work</h2>The rise of AI is not theoretical — it’s already reshaping hiring, job security and career paths.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nu.edu/blog/ai-job-statistics/">According to recent workforce studies</a>, up to 30% of current job tasks could be automated by the early 2030s, with knowledge-based roles in finance, marketing, customer service and even software development among the most affected.This shift is contributing to a broader sense of uncertainty. Workers across industries are reevaluating their career paths, prioritizing stability, income resilience and industries that are less vulnerable to automation.“We are going to see changes in the job market, and people are really thinking about what jobs will still be out there in the future,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Franchise Development for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a>. “A lot of white-collar, knowledge economy jobs are going away. How can we thrive and maintain income for our families?”That question is driving more prospective entrepreneurs to explore business ownership — particularly in industries that are rooted in human interaction and essential services.<h2>Why Childcare Demand Is Only Growing</h2>While AI may replace tasks, it cannot replace fundamental societal needs. Childcare is one of them.In the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/11/single-income-households.html">the majority of households rely on dual incomes</a>, and workforce participation continues to rebound post-pandemic. At the same time,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomaspremuzic/2025/02/28/the-real-reasons-companies-are-forcing-you-back-to-the-office/">many companies are requiring employees to return to the office</a>, increasing the need for reliable, high-quality childcare.Kelton points to this trend as a major driver of sustained need. “Parents are going to continue to have to work and earn an income,” he said. “I was just talking to somebody who works in finance — she worked remote during COVID, but she’s being called back to the office. That is happening a lot in the tech world. So our demand is going to continue to grow.”The numbers support this.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-child-care-market">The $65 billion U.S. childcare market is projected to grow steadily over the next decade</a>, while supply remains constrained in many regions.For Children’s Lighthouse, that need is already visible across its system. “It’s a business that has incredible demand — the number of parents that have a need for our services is at a record level,” Kelton said. “We have waitlists all over the country.”<h2>The Human Element AI Can’t Replace</h2>At its core, early childhood education is about development, connection and care. These are areas where AI simply cannot compete.“AI is not changing diapers,” Kelton said. “There is still a human interaction of teaching kids, loving them, and helping them grow.”That human element is exactly what makes the industry so durable. While AI can process data, it cannot replicate emotional intelligence, hands-on care or the trust parents place in educators during a child’s most formative years.Children’s Lighthouse builds on this foundation with its&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-childrens-lighthouses-exceptional-curriculum-helps-the-brand-stand-out-as-a-childcare-franchise-2727632">proprietary Lighthouse Pathways® curriculum</a>, which focuses on both academic readiness and social-emotional development — further reinforcing the brand’s positioning as an early learning institution rather than a traditional daycare.<h2>Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity</h2>The AI revolution is forcing a reset across the workforce. For many, that reset is unsettling. But for others, it’s a moment to rethink how they earn, invest and build for the future.Early childhood education and brands like Children’s Lighthouse offer a rare combination: essential demand, limited automation risk and meaningful impact.“People are asking themselves, ‘What is going to be around in five or ten years?’” Kelton said. “This is an industry that isn’t going anywhere.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.

As AI reshapes the job market, service businesses built on human connection stand out. Children’s Lighthouse offers entrepreneurs both purpose and financial potential.

Executive Q&A: Michael Brown, President of Children’s Lighthouse

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